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WELCOME

We are an inclusive pan-American film festival offering some of the highest-quality work that otherwise would never be seen in southern New England. The 2015 festival will be held October 1 – 4, 2015.

Over the years, PLAFF has screened more than 700 feature films, shorts, documentaries and animations. We are a non-profit 501(C)3 cultural organization whose focus on films occasionally expands to present photo exhibits, children and youth media workshops, music and dance groups from diverse Latin American and Caribbean nations, well-known singers and many other events as part of the cultural cinematic experience.

Since its founding in 1992, this unique event has shown countless films that have gone on to receive national awards. PLAFF bring the creative work of up-and-coming filmmakers to the New England area.

As one of the most exciting film festivals of its kind in New England, PLAFF has been recognized nationally and internationally for its rich history and the quality of its films and programs. It is the first Latin American film festival to present juried awards.

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Board Members

Tony Aguilar, Executive Director

Tony Aguilar is a marketing professional with extensive knowledge of advertising strategy, research, branding, print, broadcast, Web, mobile and social media. He has expertise in developing and producing concerted campaigns, including video segments for web, trade shows, Web analytics and direct mail. Aguilar has worked in advertising for the past 25 years in Los Angeles, New York City, and now with his own company New Flavor Media, LLC, in Providence, Rhode Island. Aguilar is a foreign film aficionado, a supporter of the arts and a world traveler.

Analia Alcolea, Board Chair

Analia Alcolea was born in Mar del Plata, Argentina, and graduated with a degree in Hotel Administration and International Tourism at Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Alcolea has worked in the hospitality industry worldwide, and is an active member of the Festival Internacional de Cine de Mar del Plata, Cine Arte Auditorium, UnCiPaR-Union de Cineastas de Paso Reducido, and SENE (Southeast New England Art Music Film Festival).

José Ramirez, Board Member

José Ramirez is a bilingual case manager for South Shore Center where he assists those in need of care. Ramirez has worked in case management since 1998 and has helped thousands of individuals through their most difficult time. He is also a board member of Latino Dollars for Scholars Foundation of Rhode Island (LADO). There, the organization raises funds to provide high achieving people access to higher education. Each year, LADO selects top students in Rhode Island and provides funds towards their tuition for one year. In his spare time, Ramirez is also a producer and co-host the radio program Sonic Watermelons on Brown student and community radio. He has appeared on two stage plays, in one film produced in Rhode Island and is a film aficionado.

Patty Gomez, Board Member

Patty Gomez is a lecturer in the Modern Languages Department at Bryant University, where she teaches Composition and Writing, Spanish for Heritage Speakers, and Conversation and Composition. Patty has served as Faculty Advisor for the Bryant University Spanish Cultural Organization since 2008, and currently advises the Bryant Latin America-Panama and Costa Rica Sophomore International Experience.

Saul Ramos, Board Member

Saul Ramos has worked in the Worcester public school system since 1999, where he transcribes class work into Braille and large print for visually impaired students. Saul also helps students integrate into their neighborhood public school, become familiarized with their surroundings, and learn independence. Paul is currently a volunteer for PLAFF, ECAS Theater, and the SENE Film, Music, and Arts Festival.

Barbara Lee, Board Member

Barbara Lee began her film career as an actor working as a Production Assistant at Warner Brothers Studios, and later discovered her true passion working as a stuntwoman. She found early acting success appearing in many shows on television. Her early credits include “Married with Children”, “Dallas”, “Falcon Crest” and “Better Days”. She also appeared as a series regular on CBS’ “In the Heat of the Night” as Deputy Christina Surillo for two seasons. This led to her love for travel and becoming and studying as a Travel Specialist and Sandals Specialist for Cruise Brothers, where she works fulfilling peoples’ dream vacations into reality.